Robert Toller

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After being downsized twice and unemployed for nearly a year, Robert Toller has finally found an encore career he loves: He’s helping others find their own encores.

Toller, himself, had help – Encore!Hartford.

“The Encore!Hartford program inspired me at my core,” says Toller, 53, a seasoned training executive with 20 years in the insurance industry. “The program involves all the aspects I love about meaning, heart and service, and the ability to inspire others.”

Encore!Hartford, at the University of Connecticut, helps transition corporate and public service professionals into local nonprofits, through classroom instruction and hands-on work. Perfect for Toller, a longtime volunteer with a passion to serve.

Toller, who was laid off from his corporate job in 2009, participated in the three-month Encore!Hartford program in 2010. He immediately landed a job at a prominent nonprofit, but he again fell victim to downsizing. After nearly a year of networking and focused job searches, he got a job in October 2011 at the University of Hartford as assistant director of the Center for Adult Academic Services.

The center counsels nontraditional students – many of whom are 50 and older – about the school’s curriculum and programs. As assistant director, Toller advises those students about their academic options and possible encores.

Toller admits there have been trade-offs transitioning from the for-profit to nonprofit sectors, “from organizational culture to limited resources and compensation.” But, he adds: “While compensation provides a satisfying level of comfort, the ability to fully utilize my personal values, interests, humor and skills … strongly appeals to me.”

For others looking to make the switch, Toller advises:

• Find your passion and go for it.
• Identify and use your strengths in the nonprofit world. To get started? Volunteer! And ask for feedback.
• Stay positive. You will have down days and uplifting days, gains and losses. Learn from each experience and build on the lessons you have learned.
• Cultivate your relationships – family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances. You never know how they might help in your search for an encore career.

The next session of Encore!Hartford starts in March. To learn more, click here.

Do you have an encore story you’d like to share? Email us at info@encore.org.